Picture: Some of the suspects nabbed during Operation Shanela
By BAKANG MOKOTO
7 September 2025 – The police said as part of the ongoing commitment to creating a safer South Africa, weekly high density operations were conducted across the Northern Cape from 1 until 7 September 2025. The police said these multi-disciplinary targeted operations once again stamped the authority of the state by intensifying crime prevention and combating activities.
The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Sergeant Molefi Shemane said during the week, the police stopped and searched 2 809 vehicles and conducted searches on 6584 individuals at roadblocks, vehicle checkpoints, and stop-and-search operations. Shemane said the disruptive operations led to the arrest of 250 suspects for various offences, including contact crimes, property-related crimes, other serious offences, and crimes detected through police action, with several wanted suspects traced by detectives.
“Compliance inspections were carried out at formal and informal businesses, scrapyards, liquor outlets, second-hand dealerships, mines, and farms. Several non-compliant liquor outlets were shut down.
“Items believed to have been used in the commission of crimes were seized, including alcohol, ammunition, cash, cell phones, dangerous weapons, drugs, vehicle parts, accessories, and vehicles,” he said.
Shemane further said focused community awareness campaigns and engagements, addressing trending crimes and strengthening partnerships with the communities continue unabated.
Meanwhile, the acting Northern Cape Police Commissioner, Major General (Dr) Thabo Mphuthi, commended the collective efforts of all law enforcement agencies, the collaboration between government departments, Community Police Forum structures, and the SAPS members for their dedication in the fight against crime.
7 September 2025- The ANCYL in Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati District said it has observed the findings of the Portfolio Committee on Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (COGTA)’s oversight visit to the North West from 1-3 September 2025. The ANCYL said the committee’s tour did not reveal anything new to the communities, but simply confirmed an open secret.
The ANCYL Regional Task Team (RTT) coordinator, Kagiso Kgabo said there is a near total collapse of local governance under the ANC’s watch in the North West. Kgabo said the recent Audit-General’s reports for the 2023/2024 financial year, present irrefutable and factual evidence of this failure.
“The numbers do not lie. Mamusa Local Municipality received yet another disclaimer of opinion. The municipality could not provide evidence for most of its reported spending. This is not an audit outcome, but is an indictment.
“Lekwa-Teemane Municipality received a qualified audit opinion. There is a persistent lack of record-keeping and failure to follow supply chain management laws. The Naledi Local Municipality received a qualified audit opinion. However, the municipality is marred with instances of unauthorised, irregular, and fruitless and wasteful expenditure,” he said.
Kgabo further said the Greater Taung Local Municipality (GTLM) experiences a regression to a qualified audit. He added that there is failure to address basic financial disciplinary controls.
“Kagisano-Molopo Local Municipality received a disclaimer of opinion. There is a complete failure to maintain basic accounting records. The Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati District Municipality received a qualified opinion. There is consistent failure to ensure credible financial reporting from its constituent municipalities, demonstrating a catastrophic failure of its constitutional mandate.
“These are not challenges, but a systemic and deliberate dereliction of duty. The ANC Regional Leadership tasked with political oversight and the deployment of cadres, has watched this decay happen in slow motion. Their responses are full of complacency, excuses and a stunning silence that echoes their complicity,” said Kgabo.
He said therefore, the ANCYL in Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati District held the ANC Regional Executive Committee (REC) directly and personally responsible for this ‘mess’. Kgabo said their failure to institute consequence management for poor performance is a betrayal to the ANC’s own principles and the people of this district.
“We demand the immediate suspension and disciplinary action against all Municipal Managers, Chief Financial Officers (CFOs) and Section 57 managers in these municipalities who have presided over these disastrous audit outcomes.
“We further demand the immediate recall of mayors and executive mayoral committee members who have provided no political leadership. We issue a seven-day ultimatum to the ANC REC to present a concrete, time-bound and publicly available turnaround plan to the youth league and the community,” he said.
Kgabo said this plan must include names of responsible individuals and clear deadlines. He added that failure to act will be met with decisive mass action.
“The ANCYL will not stand by as the future of our youth is auctioned off by incompetent leaders. We will mobilise and occupy every street and every council chamber until accountability is served.
“The ANCYL in Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati Region is making a clarion call that all mayors and speakers, junior and senior Supply Chain Managers across all five local municipalities in the region, including Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati District Municipality, must be urgently subjected to a lifestyle audit,” said Kgabo.
He said it cannot be correct that deployees of the ANC in government and municipal officials are richer than the organisation that deployed them to municipal councils.
Kgabo said the patience of the youth has expired.
“We are done with meetings. We are done with empty promises. The time for excuses is over. The time for accountability is now,” he said.
6 September 2025- Afro-Soul newcomer Kwanda Mahlombe, better known as KWANDA, first captured national attention as a Top 16 finalist on Idols South Africa. Today, he cements his artistry with the release of his emotive single Ndizokunika (feat. WalkMaTall) — a tender love letter in melody that is fast resonating with audiences across South Africa and beyond.
Born in Queenstown in the Eastern Cape, KWANDA’s journey began in school Arts and Culture classes, where he discovered his voice alongside the keyboard. His raw talent soon propelled him from community stages to national television, where his stirring performances on Idols SA made him a household name.
Now signed under Nova Sounds, guided by acclaimed musician Vusi Nova, KWANDA is shaping a future rooted in honesty, vulnerability, and Afro-Soul excellence.
“For me, Ndizokunika is more than just a song — it’s my vow to give all of myself to the one I love. Whether big or small, what matters is that it comes from the heart. This single reflects my truth: love is not measured by possessions, but by how deeply you are willing to give of yourself,” said KWANDA.
Nova Sounds founder and mentor Vusi Nova said KWANDA’s star quality was evident from the beginning. Nova said when he first heard him sing, he knew he was special.
“His voice is powerful yet tender, and his artistry carries a rare authenticity. Ndizokunika is a shining example of what he has to offer the world. Featuring WalkMaTall, the track pairs soulful guitars and delicate keys with lyrics that speak directly to the human heart. It is an honest, stripped-down approach that highlights the purity of KWANDA’s artistry.
“Looking beyond his debut single, KWANDA is building a brand that blends music with creativity across disciplines. A self-taught instrumentalist with a background in software engineering, he is moving into production, mixing and mastering, and piano instruction,” he said.
Nova also envisions extending the KWANDA brand into fashion — crafting a unique blend of music, identity, and design.
“As an artist, I want to inspire people not just with music, but with creativity in every form,” KWANDA explains. “Ndizokunika is just the beginning of what I hope will be a journey that touches lives and encourages others to live and love authentically,” he said.
6 September 2025- Four men were arrested for dealing in drugs during Operation Shanela II in Alexander Bay. The police seized drugs with an estimated street value of R19 553.17, as well as cash believed to be the proceeds of crime.
The Namakwa District police spokesperson, Captain Ivan Magerman said the suspects aged between 26 and 44, are scheduled to appear in court soon. Magerman said on 5 September 2025, at approximately 12:00, members of the Namakwa District Task Team together with Namakwa Crime Intelligence executed a coordinated search and seizure operation at a residence in Merensky Laan, Alexander Bay.
“This successful operation underscores the Namakwa District’s unwavering commitment to combating drug related crimes and ensuring the safety and well-being of our communities,” he said.
Meanwhile, the Namakwa District Police Commissioner, Brigadier Schalk Andrews, welcomed the successful outcome of Operation Shanela II, which led to significant drug seizures and arrests in Alexander Bay.
Picture: Police donating food parcels and money to disadvantaged family
By REGINALD KANYANE
7 September 2025- The police in Kimberley donated food hampers and monetary relief to a family in need in Florianville on Saturday. The Deputy Provincial Commissioner for Policing in the Northern Cape, Major General Johnny Besnaar, together with his platoon members of the 1990 intake and the Kimberley Station Commander, Brigadier Nicholas Mtongana, initiated this.
Besnaar further said they initiated and pledged their support to the initiative following their quarterly meeting at the Horseshoe Inn in Kimberley. He added that their team was accompanied by members of Kimberley Social Crime Prevention, the Community Policing Forum, Kimberley Safety Participants, and Women Against Crime.
“This act of kindness was directed towards one of SAPS’ long-serving partners, Debbie Swartz (63), a dedicated member of both the Women Against Crime and Community Policing Forum.
“Debbie played an integral and active part in the Kimberley Community Police Forum and structures, dedicated her time to the partnership and community over the years,” he said.
Besnaar said his team handed over groceries, as well as financial assistance to the family. He thanked all the role players who supported the initiative.
“I would like to emphasize that the role of the police extends beyond traditional law enforcement, encompassing efforts to build stronger community relationships and address a wider range of public safety needs, ultimately striving to create safer and more supportive communities for all,” said Besnaar.
Picture: The North West MEC for Health, Sello Lehari/Supplied
By OBAKENG MAJE
7 September 2025- As part of the Accelerated Service Delivery Programme, #ThuntshaLeroleReloadedPhase5, the North West Department of Health rolled out a comprehensive package of healthcare services in the Ventersdorp Sub-district.
Leading the programme was the North West MEC for Health, Sello Lehari, who was joined by Deputy Director-General for Hospitals and Clinical Support Services, Polaki Mokatsane, Acting Deputy Director-General for District Health Services, Grace Tsele, as well as senior managers from both the provincial and district offices.
Lehari said they oversaw the acceleration of integrated healthcare services in the area, ensuring that communities gain direct access to quality health interventions.
“The day’s programme began with the Re Bona Ka Matlho oversight visits to Wilgewonden Clinic and Ga-Mogopa Clinic. This initiative, designed to strengthen service delivery interventions, allows leaders to directly monitor the state of health facilities, engage with staff, and respond to community concerns.
“Underscoring the department’s commitment to strengthen primary healthcare, we met with Community Health Workers (CHWs), commending them for their dedication to home-based care and encouraging them to continue prioritising patient well-being,” he said.
Lehari further said in line with the department’s broader focus on integrated service delivery, healthcare professionals rendered a variety of services on-site. He added that these included childhood immunisations, cervical cancer screening, HIV and TB testing, hypertension and diabetes screening, eye care services and health education on non-communicable diseases.
“By offering these services collectively, the department ensured that community members could access a wide range of essential healthcare interventions in a single setting—reducing barriers to care, particularly for rural populations.
“Recognising the importance of addressing broader social determinants of health, the Department also donated sanitary towels and school shoes to learners at schools including Regorogile Secondary School,” said Lehari.
He said these contributions form part of the holistic approach that links health outcomes with education and social well-being. Lehari said at the community feedback session, residents were encouraged to raise service delivery concerns.
He directed the Thuntsha Lerole response team to return to the area for follow-ups, ensuring that issues raised are addressed and that service delivery is continuously improved. Lehari said integrated service delivery is at the heart of this programme.
“By combining health services with social support, we not only treat illness but also build healthier, more resilient communities. The department reaffirmed its commitment to enhancing rural access to quality healthcare and ensuring that all communities benefit from coordinated, people-centred service delivery,” he said.
5 Lwetse 2025- Kgetsi ya go shupa ka sethunya kgatlhanong le monna wa motswakwa, Raji Mohamed Ibro (43) yo e leng moagi wa naga ya kwa Ethiopia, ebile a na le lebenkele kwa motseng wa Longaneng, gaufi le Taung, e buseditswe morago ke kgotlhatshekelo ya Taung go fitlha Lwetse a le matsatsi a le 9.
Ibro one a tshwarwa le go latofadiwa ka go shupa ka sethunya le go thuntsha. Go begwa fa Ibro a ile a tshosetsa moagi wa kwa Longaneng, Sello Stephen Kokamo (43) ka sethunya le go thuntsa mo moyeng.
Go begwa fa go ile ga tsoga kgakgauthano ya mafoko magareng ga banna ba babedi ba. Ibro o tla nama a letile kwa ntlolefitshwana go fitlhelela a boela kwa kgotlhatshekelo go dira kopo ya beile.
5 Lwetse 2025- Dikgetsi tse pedi tsa go shupa ka sethunya kgatlhanong le monna wa kwa motseng wa Maphoitsile, gaufi le Taung, eleng Thato Gaobuse, mme a itsege thata ka leina la Kaalpens, di buseditswe morago go fitlha kgwedi ya Lwetse a tlhola matsatsi a le 11.
Kaalpens o ile a tshwarwa ka Labobedi wa beke e e fetileng mabapi le ditatofatso tsa go shupa ka sethunya. Go begwa fa monna o, e le kgale a batliwa ke sepodisi.
Sebueledi sa sepodisi mo sedikeng sa Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati, Warrant Officer Tryphosa van Rooyen, o ganne go neelana ka ditlha tse di feletseng gore ditatofatso kgatlhanong le Kaalpens ke tsefe le gore di diragetse kae. Van Rooyen are tshedimosetso eo, e tla ama dipatlisiso tsa sepodisi.
Kgabagare, Kaalpens o tla nama a letile kwa ntlolefitshwana go fitlhelela a boela kwa kgotlhatshekelo.
Picture; The Chairperson of Portfolio Committee on Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (COGTA), Dr Zweli Mkhize
By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI
5 September 2025 – The joint parliamentary oversight delegation concluded the first leg of its oversight after three days in North West on Wednesday. The delegation, comprising the Portfolio Committee on Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs, the Standing Committee on Public Accounts and the Standing Committee on the Auditor-General, conducted oversight in conjunction with the North West Provincial Legislature.
This visit forms part of a broader engagement with underperforming municipalities across provinces and is part of a new model of oversight designed to align accountability across all three spheres of government. The oversight concluded with a call for ethical leadership across political parties.
The Chairperson of Portfolio Committee on Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (COGTA), Dr Zweli Mkhize said, while noting that many of the challenges stem from councillors deployed by the majority party, he stressed that all councillors, regardless of political affiliation, are collectively responsible for ensuring stability, accountability and service delivery.
Mkhize said the delegation also observed deep political instability in several councils, with councillors divided into factions that, in some instances, attempted to install competing mayors or speakers.
“This paralysis was compounded by high vacancy rates in senior management posts, with many municipalities reliant on acting appointees due to an inability to attract or retain skilled personnel.
“In rural municipalities, especially, inadequate resourcing and reliance on grants have compromised institutional sustainability,” he said.
Mkhize further said the oversight also raised serious concerns about municipalities’ continued reliance on consultants, with little evidence of skills transfer or capacity-building. He added that members demanded the urgent development of consultant replacement plans to ensure that core governance and financial functions are restored to internal municipal structures.
“The visit highlighted several urgent cases requiring provincial intervention. In Ramotshere Moiloa Local Municipality, councillor divisions created confusion over the position of mayor, prompting the intervention of the North West MEC for Cooperative Governance and the provincial police commissioner.
“The joint delegation asked the MEC to engage directly with councillors to enforce compliance with the law and restore stability,” said Mkhize.
He said in Tswaing Local Municipality, instability and leadership vacuums have severely compromised service delivery, with senior officials facing suspension and arrest. Mkhize said residents there continue to endure water shortages, poor waste management and failing road infrastructure.
“The delegation emphasised that these failures are not merely abstract administrative issues but have direct consequences for residents, who are bearing the brunt of political squabbles, financial recklessness, and governance paralysis.
“We would like to remind councillors and provincial leaders of their constitutional responsibilities. You have the authority given to you by the Constitution, and we expect you to use it,” he said.
Mkhize said municipalities cannot continue to function effectively without clean audits, effective financial management and political stability. He said residents deserve reliable services and accountable leadership, not dysfunction and neglect.
“The delegation has directed MECs to closely monitor council decisions, ensure that investigations into maladministration are completed, and intervene decisively where councils fail to act.
“Detailed reports, including timelines and measurable targets, must be submitted to Parliament and the provincial legislature. The committees warned that continued non-compliance will trigger further interventions,” said Mkhize.
He said parliament will continue to monitor developments in the North West municipalities, and the delegation reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring that consequence management is enforced and that communities receive the services and stability to which they are entitled.
5 September 2025- On Thursday at approximately 2am, an intelligence-driven operation was conducted in Madeliefielaan, Pofadder, by the Namakwa Task Team in collaboration with the Crime Intelligence. The operation followed information received regarding alleged drug dealing activities at a residence in the area.
The Namakwa District police spokesperson, Captain Ivan Magerman said upon arrival, police members found a woman (47) and two men aged between 29 and 35, inside the premises. Magerman said a search of the house led to the discovery of mandrax tablets hidden underground with an estimated street value of R450.
“While continuing the search, further information was received indicating that additional drugs were stored in a zinc structure at the back of the premises.
“The police proceeded to the structure, where they uncovered dagga and mandrax with a combined street value of approximately R40 000. All three suspects were arrested and charged with dealing in drugs,” he said.
Meanwhile, the Namakwa District Police Commissioner, Brigadier Schalk Andrews, commended the swift action and dedication of the members involved in the operation.
The Guardian 